How to Disable Samsung Galaxy Ad Tracking

Samsung Galaxy devices collect data for personalized ads, but you can disable ad tracking to enhance privacy. This guide provides multiple methods to limit tracking and stop targeted ads on your phone.

1. Disable Personalized Ads in Samsung Settings

Samsung allows users to opt out of ad personalization through privacy settings.

Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy device.
Go to Privacy: Scroll down and tap on Privacy.
Select “Ads and Privacy”: Look for “Samsung Privacy” or “Ads and Privacy” and tap on it.
Disable Ad Personalization: Toggle off “Customize Ads” or “Allow Personalized Ads” to stop Samsung from using your data for targeted ads.

2. Opt Out of Interest-Based Ads from Google

Google also tracks ad preferences, and you can disable it separately.

Open Settings: Go to your Samsung Galaxy’s Settings app.
Navigate to Google Settings: Scroll down and tap on Google > Ads.
Opt Out of Ad Personalization: Toggle on “Opt out of Ads Personalization” to prevent Google from using your data for personalized ads.
Reset Advertising ID (Optional): Tap “Reset advertising ID” to clear your past ad tracking data.

3. Turn Off Samsung Customization Services

Samsung’s Customization Service collects user data for ad recommendations, which can be disabled.

Open Settings: Access the Settings app on your phone.
Go to Privacy: Scroll and tap on Privacy.
Tap on Customization Service: Find and select Customization Service.
Disable Data Collection: Toggle off “Allow Samsung to use your data” to stop data collection for ads.

4. Disable Ad Tracking in Samsung Galaxy Store

Samsung uses the Galaxy Store to display ads based on browsing activity, but you can opt out.

Open Galaxy Store: Launch the Samsung Galaxy Store app.
Tap Menu: Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings: Scroll and tap on Settings.
Turn Off Personalized Ads: Look for “Personalized Ads” and toggle it off.

5. Restrict Background Data for Ad Services

Blocking background data prevents ad services from collecting and sharing information.

Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your Samsung device.
Go to Apps: Scroll down and tap on Apps.
Find Samsung Ads & Google Ads Services: Look for apps like Samsung Push Service, Galaxy Store, or Google Ads Services.
Restrict Background Data: Tap Data Usage and turn off Background Data to prevent ad services from running in the background.

6. Use a Private DNS to Block Ad Tracking

A Private DNS can block ads and trackers system-wide.

Open Settings: Navigate to Settings on your Samsung Galaxy.
Go to Connections: Tap Connections > More Connection Settings.
Select Private DNS: Tap Private DNS and choose Private DNS Provider Hostname.
Enter an Ad-Blocking DNS: Type dns.adguard.com or another trusted private DNS provider.
Save and Apply: Tap Save to activate ad blocking and tracking protection.

7. Install an Ad Blocker or Firewall App

Third-party apps can block trackers and ads across your device.

Download an Ad Blocker: Install an ad-blocking app like AdGuard, Blokada, or DNS66 from the Google Play Store.
Enable Protection: Follow the app’s instructions to activate ad and tracker blocking.
Adjust Settings (Optional): Customize the blocking rules to include Samsung and Google ad trackers.
Monitor Performance: Test the app for a few days to ensure ads and tracking are minimized.

8. Turn Off Location Tracking for Ads

Location data can be used for ad targeting, so disabling it can reduce tracking.

Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy.
Go to Location: Scroll down and tap on Location.
Select App Permissions: Tap App Permissions and review which apps have access to your location.
Disable Location Access for Ads: Find Google Ads, Samsung Services, or related apps and change location access to Deny.

9. Clear Cached Ad Data

Clearing cached ad data removes stored tracking information on your device.

Open Settings: Go to your Settings app.
Go to Apps: Tap Apps and locate Google Ads or Samsung Services.
Clear Cache & Data: Tap Storage > Clear Cache, then select Clear Data to remove saved ad tracking information.

10. Disable Samsung Push Service Notifications

Samsung Push Service delivers ad notifications, which you can disable.

Open Settings: Navigate to Settings on your phone.
Go to Apps: Scroll and tap on Apps.
Find Samsung Push Service: Locate and select Samsung Push Service from the list.
Turn Off Notifications: Tap Notifications and disable all notification permissions.